galangin and Leukemia

The effect of galangin, a flavonol component of India root spice and the 'herbal' medicine propolis, on HL-60 human leukaemia cell survival is characterised. Galangin (1-100 microM) exerted an antiproliferative effect that, with dose and exposure longevity, was progressively associated with an elevated hypodiploid DNA content and expression of the active form of caspase-3, principally prior to membrane damage. At >or=50 microM, plasmamembrane phosphatidylserine exposure was observed. There was no evidence for intracellular oxidative stress as an orchestrator of cytotoxicity and significant phagocyte-like differentiation was not detected. We discuss whether such cytotoxicity will be therapeutically exploitable or contribute to cancer prevention within a pharmacological or dietary context.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Caspase 3; Cell Cycle; Cell Differentiation; Cell Membrane; Cell Proliferation; Cell Size; Cell Survival; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; DNA Fragmentation; DNA, Neoplasm; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Etoposide; Flavonoids; Flow Cytometry; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Leukemia; Mutagens; Nucleosomes; Phosphatidylserines; Reactive Oxygen Species